HALDIBARI (JHAPA) । A legal orientation program aimed at empowering the Terai Dalit community concluded in Haldibari Rural Municipality on Friday. The session focused on educating participants about their constitutional rights, current legal frameworks, and civic responsibilities.
The program, organized by the Samyak Counseling Center, Itahari, was chaired by its program coordinator, Yagya Kumari Ruchal. State Minister for Internal Affairs and Law of Koshi Province, Umakanta Gautam, attended the event as the chief guest.
Addressing the session, Minister Gautam underscored the importance of legal awareness as a prerequisite for social justice. “For marginalized communities to effectively claim the rights and services guaranteed by the state, they must first be equipped with the knowledge of the law,” Gautam said.
The orientation saw a significant presence of local government leadership, including Haldibari Rural Municipality Chairman Rabindra Lingden and Vice-chairperson Laxmi Devi Mainali. Both leaders expressed their commitment to integrating marginalized groups into the local governance process through such awareness initiatives.
Advocate Badri Prasad Pokharel and Haldibari’s Chief Administrative Officer, Man Bahadur Ban ‘Mahendra’, facilitated the technical sessions. They briefed the 40 participants on the fundamental rights of Dalits enshrined in the Constitution of Nepal and the specific legal protections against caste-based discrimination and untouchability.
Also in attendance were Ward Chairs Devi Bahadur Thapa, Santakumar Thapa, and Shuklal Rajbanshi, alongside executive members Shanta Siwakoti, Bhagiratha Dahal, Sushma Mahara, and Rupa Rasaili.
Participants noted that the session provided them with the necessary tools to navigate administrative procedures and stand against social injustices at the local level.
